Drafting table

ABSTRACT

The drafting table includes a base, a pair of support brackets pivotally mounted on the base, and a drafting board mounted on the brackets for both vertical and angular adjustment. The drafting board includes a plurality of identical metal sections, a working sheet overlying the sections, and a peripheral metal frame. The metal sections have interfitting means integral therewith for holding the sections together. The interfitting means includes a depending tongue element of generally uniform width and a downwardly diverging groove element.

United States Patent Krltske 1 51 July 1 l, 1972 [s41 DRAFIING TABLE 3,191,724 6/1965 De Ridder ..s2/o1s 2,038,637 4/l936 Bre 52/6l4 [72] Shemygan 2,932.050 5/l96l Ma; |0s 2 [73] Assignee; Mlylinz Company 1114:. sheboygan, Wig 3.052.057 9/ l 962 May et al. l08/2 Fikd: Nov. 969 3,416,793 l2/l968 Fox ..$2/624 [21] APPL 75 0 9 Primary Examiner-Bobby R. Gay

Assistant Examiner-Darrell Marquette Attorney-McCanna, Morsbach, Pillote and Muir [52] U.S.Cl.........................................108/2,52/588, 108/6,

3l2/lll [57] ABSTRACT [51] Int. Cl. ..A47f 5/12 53 Field 0! Search ..52/622, 623. 624, 615. 614; T dmfi'ng able a base- 3 i brackes 3| 2 I I 195; 08/2 plvotally mounted on the base, and a drafting board mounted on the brackets for both vertical and angular adjustment. The l 56] References and drafting board includes a plurality of identical metal sections. a working sheet overlying the sections, and a peripheral metal UMTED STATES PATENTS frame. The metal sections have interfitting means integral therewith for holding the sections together. The interfitting 3,24 l .284 3/ W66 Gregolre ..52/588 means includes 3 depending tongue element f genera"), 217391677 3/1956 Greuhch uniform width and a downwardly diverging groove element. 2.940.805 6/1960 Nordmark ....52/6l4 3.093219 6/1963 Ramme....................................52/6l5 8 Claim, 5 Drawing Figures 44 a r ;-I.f:'=:a:::.%-Z-;z:a t t 4:9 j 71 A 2 4 I f DRAFTING TABLE BACKGROUND The invention pertains to supported planar surfaces and more particularly to a drafiing table having a tiltable drafting board thereon.

Drafting tables frequently have drafting boards which are large and relatively heavy. The drafting boards are traditionally made of wood and, because of their material, size, and weight, create problems in vertical and angular adjustment of the drafting board. Thus, adjustable supports and counterbalancing mechanism have been provided; for example, see US. Pat. Nos. 2,982,050 and 3,052,057. in addition to its weight, wooden drafting boards are subject to warping, and the larger the drafting board is, the more serious the problem.

SUMMARY The present invention relates generally to drafting tables, and more particularly to a drafting table having a drafting board made of a plurality of metal sections.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a drafting table having a drafting board that is warp-resistant.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a drafting table having a drafting board that is more easily counterbalanced.

[t is another object to provide a drafting table in accordance with the foregoing and having a drafting board formed of a plurality of metal sections.

Another object is to provide a drafting table in accordance with the foregoing object and in which the sections of the drafting board can be quickly and easily assembled.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a drafting table in accordance with the foregoing object and in which the sections have integral interfitting fasteners.

Another object is to provide a drafting table in accordance with the foregoing and having a plyable working surface.

Yet another object is to provide a drafiing table having a drafting board formed of a plurality of metal sections, a working sheet overlying the sections, and a peripheral frame protecting the sections and the edges of the working sheet.

These, and other objects and advantages of the present invention, will become apparent as the invention becomes better understood from the following description.

DRAWINGS H6. 1 is a perspective view of a drafting table incorporating the present invention and having a portion broken away for better illustration;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the drafting board on a larger scale than FIG. 1, and having a portion of the working sheet broken away for better illustration of the parts;

FIG. 3 is a crosssectional view, on a larger scale, taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a partial sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 2 and on the same scale as FIG. 3', and

FIG. 5 is a partial plan view of the upper left hand corner of the drafting board of FIG. 2 and on the same scale as FIGS. 3 and 4.

DESCRIPTION Reference is now made more particularly to the drawings in which the same numerals indicate the same parts throughout the several views.

In F IG. 1 there is shown a drafting table including a base having spaced support posts 11, l l. The table adjusting mechanism is of the type disclosed in US. Pat. No. 2,982,050, assigned to the assignee of the present invention, and reference is made thereto for a more complete description. in general, the adjustable drafting board support includes a pair of vertically swingable arms 12 and 13 at each end of the base 10, and which arms are pivotally attached to the base for vertical swinging movement. The posts 1 l are pivotally attached by pins 16 and 17 to the outer ends of the arms to form a parallelogram-type linkage therewith, so that the posts remain in an upright position as they are raised and lowered. Height counterbalance springs 18 are provided at each end of the base and are attached at one end 19 to the base and at the other end to a lateral projection 21 on the lower arm 12 to yieldably urge the posts 11 and the drafting board carried thereby to an elevated position.

The drafting board, generally designated 30, is attached to the upper end of the posts II in such a manner as to permit tilting of the drafting board between generally horizontal and vertical positions. For this purpose, a pair of angle irons 22 are attached to the drafting board 30 and extend laterally of the underside thereof. Plates 23 are attached to the angle irons 22 and are pivotally attached by pins 25 to the posts 11 so that the board can be tilted relative to the posts 1 1 about the horizontal axis of the pins. The angle irons 22 and the plates 23 form a pair of laterally extending support brackets on which the drafting board 30 is mounted.

A counterbalancing mechanism is provided to facilitate movement of the drafting board between the generally horizontal and upright positions. The counterbalancing mechanism is of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,05 2,05 7, assigned to the assignee of the present invention, and reference is made thereto for a more complete description. In general, the counterbalancing mechanism includes a semicircular locking bar 28 attached to the post 11 and disposed concentric with the axis of the pivot pin 25. A locking mechanism 33 is rotatably mounted in the plates 23 to engage the arcuate bar 28 and hold the plate 23, and thereby the drafting board 30 in different angularly adjusted positions. Counterbalancing springs 34 and 36 are provided on the arcuate bar 28 to counterbalance the drafting board 30 as it moves between its positions.

The drafting board 30 is preferably formed of a plurality of metal sections 42. The sections 42 are preferably identical in cross section and are preferably formed of extruded aluminum. As can be seen in FIG. 3, each section 42 includes a top wall 44 providing a substantially planar upper surface. A first web 46 depends from the top wall 44 and is spaced inwardly from the left edge thereof. A second web 48 likewise depends from the top wall 44 and is disposed inwardly of the right edge thereof. lnterconnecting means are provided on the longitudinal sides of the sections 42 so that the sections may be connected. In the embodiment illustrated, a generally U- shaped element 51 is provided at one edge to form a groove or female element. At the other edge is a tongue 52 depending from the top wall 44 and providing a male element generally complimentary to the groove. Outwardly extending flanges 46a and 480 are provided at the base of webs 46 and 48, respectively. An upwardly facing hook 53 is provided on flange 46a and a downwardly facing hook 54 is provided on flange 48a. These hooks are adapted to interflt and, together with the aforementioned tongue and groove, provide the in ter connecting means.

In assembly, the tongue 52 can be inserted into the groove provided by element 51. It will be noted that the base of the groove is somewhat larger and, in this manner, the top walls 44 can be initially out of the same plane. Hooks 53 and 54 can then be engaged by a swinging action of the sections 42. At such time, the upper surface of hook 53 will engage the lower surface of hook 54. As relative swinging of the sections 42 is continued, the engaged portions of the hooks will effect a wedging action which presses flange 48!: inwardly and flange 46a outwardly. As the swinging movement continues, the shoulders of the hooks will pass each other and the resiliency of the flanges will snap the hooks into engagement as shown in FIG. 3. At the same time, the outer leg of element 51 will wedge the tongue closely adjacent the inner leg so that a substantially planar upper surface is continuous over the interconnected sections. In this manner, a plurality of sections can be assembled.

Preferably a plurality of fasteners 58 extend through angle 22 into one of the flange portions of each sections to securely mount the drafting boarfl 30 on the brackets, as best shown in FIG. 3.

A generally continuous working sheet 60 overlies the plurality of sections 42 to provide a smooth working surface. In the embodiment illustrated, working sheet 60 is preferably made of a somewhat plyable material such as linoleum. As best seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, the edges of working sheet 60 are conveniently chamfered.

A peripheral frame surrounds the plurality of metal sections 42. The frame is preferably of the same material of which the sections 52 are formed and includes first and secondlongitudinal members 62, 63 and first and second end members 64, 65. End members 64 and 65 are identical and are in the form of simple channels. The web of the channel forms the outer edge of the drafting board and the flanges are spaced so that the sections 42 are closely received therebetween. In other words, the upper flange overlies the top wall 44 while the lower flange underlies the flanges 46a and 48a. Preferably, the upper level of the upper flange is no higher than the upper level of working sheet 60 so that drafting tools may ride on the surface of the working sheet and not on the frame members. Fasteners such as at 68 (FIG. 4) are used for holding the end members 64 and 65 on the sections.

As best seen in H0. 3, longitudinal members 62 and 63 are not identical. However, each longitudinal member is in the form of a modified channel. Longitudinal member 62 is provided with a depending tongue 72 and an upwardly facing hook 73 which perform the same functions as tongue 52 and hook 53 on the sections 42. In this way, longitudinal member 62 can be connected to an adjacent section. Longitudinal member 63 is provided with a U-shaped section 7] and a downwardly facing hook 74 identical in function to section and hook 54 of the sections 42. In this manner, longitudinal member 63 is connectable to the other side of an adjacent section 42. As best seen in FIG. 5, the frame members are mitered at the corners to provide an attractive joint.

it is now deemed apparent that the present invention provides a drafting table having a drafting board which is resistant to warping and relatively lightweight. It is further deemed apparent that the drafiing board is formed of a plurality of metal sections which yet provide a generally planar upper surface and, with the working sheet applied, has a generally continuous plyable working surface.

While a preferred embodiment of the present invention has been herein disclosed, this has been done by way of illustration and not limitation, and various modifications in structure will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

What is claimed is:

1. A drafting table including a base having first and second spaced supports, a pair of support brackets, means for pivotally attaching each support bracket to a support adjacent the top thereof, a drafting board mounted on the brackets for tilting movement therewith between generally horizontal and upright positions, means for counterbalancing the drafiing board to facilitate movement between said positions, and means for selectively locking the drafling board in different angular adjusted positions between the generally horizontal and upright positions; characterized in that the drafting board includes a plurality of relatively lightweight, elongated sections spanning the brackets and formed of extruded metal; the sections being identical in cross-section and each having an upper wall forming a planar upper surface and a pair of Iongitudinal webs at opposite sides of the sections; each web being integral with the upper wall and depending therefrom; interfitting means at each longitudinal side of each section for connecting adjacent edges of the sections close together to form a continuous planar upper surface; the interfitting means being formed integral with the sections and including a tongue element at one top edge of the elongate metal section and a downwardly diverging groove element at the top edge of the adjacent section; the tongue element having a downwardly and outwardly extending outer surface and a generally uniform width; the groove element having one surface which is complementary to and contiguous with the outer surface of the tongue element, a base that is wider than the width of the tongue element, an upwardly-extending second surface which has an upper end spaced from the one surface a distance equal to the width of the tongue element, and the remainder of the second surface being spaced from the one surface a distance greater than the width of the tongue element; whereby the upper surfaces of the sections can be initially out of the same plane during assembly, but when assembled form a continuous planar upper surface; and a generally continuous working sheet secured to the upper surface and covering substantially the entire upper surface of the connected sections.

2. A drafting table as set forth in claim 1 including a metal peripheral frame surrounding the plurality of metal sections and closely adjacent the periphery of the working sheet, the frame including first and second longitudinal members and first and second end members, said members having an upper surface above the upper surface of the plurality of metal sections and no higher than the upper surface of the working sheet.

3. A drafting table as set forth in claim 1 wherein the interfitting means also includes interlocking hook elements, one of the hook elements facing upwardly and being spaced downwardly from the top edge of one section, and the other of the hook elements facing downwardly and being spaced downwardly from the top edge of the section adjacent the one section.

4. A drafting table as set forth in claim 1 including a flange at the bottom of each web and generally parallel to the upper wall for engaging the brackets, and fastening means engaged with the brackets and with selected bottom flanges for mounting the drafting board on the brackets.

5. A drafting table as set forth in claim 4 wherein each web is spaced inwardly from the respective edge of the section; and each flange is outwardly extending, leaving the inner area between the pair of webs of each section substantially open.

6. A drafting table as set forth in claim I and including a metal peripheral frame surrounding the plurality of metal sections, the frame including first and second longitudinal members and first and second end members, interfitting means associated with the longitudinal members and the adjacent sections for connecting the same, said interfitting means being identical with the interfitting means for connecting adjacent sections, and the end members overlying end portions of the connected sections and having an upper surface no higher than the upper surface of the working sheet.

7. A drafting table as set forth in claim 6 wherein the interfitting means also includes two resilient self-interlocking hooks elements, one mounted at the bottom of the web at one side of the section and the other mounted at the bottom of the web at the adjacent side of the adjacent section.

8. A drafting table as set forth in claim 7 wherein the webs are spaced inwardly from the respective edge of the section; and including: an outwardly extending flange at the bottom each web section for engaging the brackets and for carrying one of the hook elements, and fastener means engaged with the brackets and with selected bottom flanges for mounting the drafting board on the brackets. 

1. A drafting table including a base having first and sEcond spaced supports, a pair of support brackets, means for pivotally attaching each support bracket to a support adjacent the top thereof, a drafting board mounted on the brackets for tilting movement therewith between generally horizontal and upright positions, means for counterbalancing the drafting board to facilitate movement between said positions, and means for selectively locking the drafting board in different angular adjusted positions between the generally horizontal and upright positions; characterized in that the drafting board includes a plurality of relatively lightweight, elongated sections spanning the brackets and formed of extruded metal; the sections being identical in cross-section and each having an upper wall forming a planar upper surface and a pair of longitudinal webs at opposite sides of the sections; each web being integral with the upper wall and depending therefrom; interfitting means at each longitudinal side of each section for connecting adjacent edges of the sections close together to form a continuous planar upper surface; the interfitting means being formed integral with the sections and including a tongue element at one top edge of the elongate metal section and a downwardly diverging groove element at the top edge of the adjacent section; the tongue element having a downwardly and outwardly extending outer surface and a generally uniform width; the groove element having one surface which is complementary to and contiguous with the outer surface of the tongue element, a base that is wider than the width of the tongue element, an upwardly-extending second surface which has an upper end spaced from the one surface a distance equal to the width of the tongue element, and the remainder of the second surface being spaced from the one surface a distance greater than the width of the tongue element; whereby the upper surfaces of the sections can be initially out of the same plane during assembly, but when assembled form a continuous planar upper surface; and a generally continuous working sheet secured to the upper surface and covering substantially the entire upper surface of the connected sections.
 2. A drafting table as set forth in claim 1 including a metal peripheral frame surrounding the plurality of metal sections and closely adjacent the periphery of the working sheet, the frame including first and second longitudinal members and first and second end members, said members having an upper surface above the upper surface of the plurality of metal sections and no higher than the upper surface of the working sheet.
 3. A drafting table as set forth in claim 1 wherein the interfitting means also includes interlocking hook elements, one of the hook elements facing upwardly and being spaced downwardly from the top edge of one section, and the other of the hook elements facing downwardly and being spaced downwardly from the top edge of the section adjacent the one section.
 4. A drafting table as set forth in claim 1 including a flange at the bottom of each web and generally parallel to the upper wall for engaging the brackets, and fastening means engaged with the brackets and with selected bottom flanges for mounting the drafting board on the brackets.
 5. A drafting table as set forth in claim 4 wherein each web is spaced inwardly from the respective edge of the section; and each flange is outwardly extending, leaving the inner area between the pair of webs of each section substantially open.
 6. A drafting table as set forth in claim 1 and including a metal peripheral frame surrounding the plurality of metal sections, the frame including first and second longitudinal members and first and second end members, interfitting means associated with the longitudinal members and the adjacent sections for connecting the same, said interfitting means being identical with the interfitting means for connecting adjacent sections, and the end members overlying end portions of the connected sections and having an upper surface no higher than the upper sUrface of the working sheet.
 7. A drafting table as set forth in claim 6 wherein the interfitting means also includes two resilient self-interlocking hooks elements, one mounted at the bottom of the web at one side of the section and the other mounted at the bottom of the web at the adjacent side of the adjacent section.
 8. A drafting table as set forth in claim 7 wherein the webs are spaced inwardly from the respective edge of the section; and including: an outwardly extending flange at the bottom each web section for engaging the brackets and for carrying one of the hook elements, and fastener means engaged with the brackets and with selected bottom flanges for mounting the drafting board on the brackets. 